Dining Room Redo

One room we didn't paint when first moving in was the dining room. So, we decorated around the color which was fine until we redid the kitchen a few months ago. The kitchen flows right into the dining room and between the wall color and decor - it didn't match one bit! So Clay gave me the green light to let this be my next project! Check out a couple before pictures of the room...

I knew I wanted the paint color to be neutral so the first thing I did was decide on a fabric to recover the dining room chairs with and use the same for curtains. Luckily, that part was unusally easy! I found this sweet print from World Market for $34.99 a panel. I snagged 4 - 2 for the window and 2 for the chairs.

So one night Clay was out of town, I busted out the screw driver and took off all 6 cushions, loaded up my car and fabric and went to my parents! My mom covered all the cushions and even had enough fabric left to make napkins and a runner - can't wait for those. The chairs look amazing! Thanks madre!

8 screws per chair - this took FOREVER!

Before!

After!

We used Tattered Sail by Olympic from Lowe's on the walls. I purchased the three large frames from IKEA and had some wedding pictures blown up to fit. So here we are! I still need to pick up a few things for the a centerpiece for the table, but there's no rush on that now.

What do you think? I love how much brighter it is now and the room flows so well with the kitchen.

Next project, the nursery!

Kitchen Reno: The Floors, The Paint and The Countertops!

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Are you as excited as I am that it's finally Friday? These projects at home after a long day at work are killing me. We only have left to grout the new backsplash and seal it. Then I will FINALLY have my fridge and oven back, oh thank you! Here is our progress, let me know what you think!

                                                                             Floors
Now the floors I believe were the most drastic change. Before, as you saw, were this nasty-always looked dirty-linoleum. So, we decided on hardwood floors throughout the downstairs and of course we just carried those into the kitchen. I am literally OBSESSED with the color. After much debate, we ended up purchasing Mohawk Santa Barbara 5" Hard Scrapped Planks in Chocolate.

                                                                         Paint
--We had the kitchen painted to match the new style. The color is April Sky from Lowe's. I love the color, I feel like it pulls everything together! Plus having a WHITE ceiling changes everything! Why would anyone think painting the ceiling gold would look good?!?!

Countertops // Sink // Faucet

With the dark floors, and black appliances we decided against the dark granite for the countertops, and went with a lighter color, Cashmere White. The process was great! Clay and I selected our slab, they came out to template, emailed us our measurements on the selected slab to verify we would like that particular piece (knots, particular lines, etc), then they installed. We also went through them on our sink - it was a little pricier but they cut the sink as well, so for the convenience it worked out better. The have it set under the granite and I think it looks beautiful! We purchased the faucet at Lowe's - we were sure to get one WITHOUT the plate, so they are individual holes, loving that as well.

What a huge difference, am I right? So thankful we were able to make these changes! I am happy to say "I love my kitchen!" now. Last up - the backsplash and the final pictures!!!

Kitchen Cabinets // Pantry // Fridge Organization

We are currently in the process of renovating our ENTIRE downstairs, emphasizing in our kitchen. (Watch  for a 3 post series on the before's and afters!) So of course any opportunity presented for organization, I am ALL OVER. Before we emptied out everything in our kitchen, there was no "flow." Pots and pans were thrown under a cabinet, cups and plates were put wherever there was room.

We still have about two weeks left of renovations; hardwood will be laid next Tuesday and Wednesday, the painter will be out Friday, the granite will be installed the following week - you get my drift? So I am currently making "wish - lists" to reorganize my kitchen cabinets, pantry and fridge to create that "flow"! Check out my inspirations via Pinterest:

  Just a few things on my Wish List:

 

                                   All of the above can be purchased from The Container Store = HEAVEN

Crate and Barrel

Do you have do's and dont's when it comes to organization? 

Bonus Room Decor Dilemma!

The bonus room at Clay's house currently looks as if I were painting the wall camouflage. I have bought 6 samples of paint and not ONE has even come close to working. Good thing sample paint is only $3! The room only has one window so we need a color that will brighten the room.

With a camel color couch and a huge flat screen TV, we are pretty much starting from scratch on the design! Here is what I'm thinking:

These are the pillows that are the inspiration for the room!
Plus I want to get three large wooden mirrors similar to above for behind the sectional couch.

We just got these ikat print Pottery Barn pillow covers as a gift, thanks Meg!

We also have registered for these Chunky Gold Stripe Pillow Covers from PB.

To tie in the gray from the pillows, I want to pick up this fabulous Grand Chenille Throw in Metal Gray.

The entertainment center has a nice, big, empty space beside it that these Havana Lidded Baskets will fit perfectly in! Who doesn't need want any additional storage?!

So keep in mind this room is pretty big, the design I'm shooting for as describe above is only one SIDE of the room. I thought it would be great to utilize the other side with additional seating, possibly table and chairs? Wing chairs? Or maybe 2 of these armchairs with a tall accent table between....

Oh the ideas are endless! Stay tuned for before and after pictures of this bonus room within the next couple months. First things first, I MUST find a suitable wall color before any decorating happens! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone had an absolutely amazing, blessed Thanksgiving!

Master Bedroom Inspiration

When you think of a master bedroom several things come to mind: safe haven, love, serenity, peace, calming-- Am I right?

With that said, I am so so excited about getting to decorate our master bedroom come March. My inspiration is from Pottery Barn and we just about registered for everything included in the design down to the furniture. Wishful thinking right?! ;) Let me know what you think about the design and any advice to make it better! We all know I could use any help I can get.

Grace Duvet Cover & Standard Shams; Pottery Barn

Peyton Grommet Drapes in Oatmeal; Pottery Barn

Wood Gallery Frames and Holman Shelving in Espresso; Pottery Barn

Antique Mercury Glass Bedside Lamp; Pottery Barn

I think the center of our design will be our bedding and work from that. So, what is your favorite part of your master bedroom-- Is it your bedding, a fun rug that is the focus of your design, a one of a kind lamp? I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Next Design Blog Post? Guest Bedroom #1!

Decor, Decor, Decor

I am totally looking forward to March for so many reasons. Of course, number one on that list is the wedding, BUT I am completely stoked about moving to Franklin. In June, Clay purchased a fabulous fixer-upper house and after the wedding we'll get to really hit the renovations hard. Some of the BIG projects include:

• Remodeling the kitchen- new floors, paint the cabinets, replace countertops, add fun backsplash, new sink.. You get the picture! The whole kit-and-caboodle. I have to admit, this project is the one I am looking forward to the most.

• Updating the master bath- again, new floors, replace shower doors, new double sink-vanity, and a fun new paint color. It will be great!

So what has your favorite home renovation been? If your a DIYer like Clay and I (plus lots of help from family & friends) plan to be for these fun projects, you know they take patience, creativity and lots of energy to finish. Any tips on keeping expenses low? Words of advice? What a fun process we have to look forward to. God is good and I am so thankful for everything that is going on in my life!